LA MOTOR SHOW: Subaru to launch flagship Ascent SUV

Subaru has confirmed via Twitter that it will launch a flagship seven-seat SUV called the Ascent at the Los Angeles motor show later this month.

Inspired by both last year's Viziv-7 LA concept and the more recent Ascent concept that made its debut at the New York show in April, the production car is claimed to stay true to both concepts.

Measuring in at around five metres long, the Ascent is a belated replacement for the old Tribeca and has been created to do battles in the US with the recently launched Volkswagen Atlas that shares its proportions and offers customers the option of seven seats.

Based on the Japanese car-maker's new SPG (Subaru Global Platform), the big SUV should be significantly lighter than the old B9 Tribeca -- despite its more generous proportions -- and bring far greater body rigidity.

Under the bonnet the Ascent will also benefit from Subaru's next-generation direct-injection 2.4-litre flat-four turbo boxer engine.

It's not been confirmed what transmission the Ascent will come with but Subaru's flagship SUV will incorporate the firm's trademark asymmetrical all-wheel drive.

Inside, the Ascent is set to get Subaru's most luxurious interior ever with plenty of premium leather and a large-screen infotainment system that will incorporate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

To be manufactured in Subaru's US Indiana plant, the Ascent is initially only planned for the US market, but thanks to its SPG platform the large SUV could feasibly be re-engineered for right-hand drive and therefore sales in the UK, Japan and Australian markets.

If so, Subaru's all-new Ascent could end up going head-to-head with seven-seat SUVs like Mazda's CX-9, Toyota's Kluger and more expensive rivals like the Volvo XC90.